We say this a lot about Russian Premier League matches but this fixture sees two conservative sides go head-to-head h on Sunday. However, neither of these sides struggle at the bottom of the table and often manage to win with their rather defensive style.
Chechen side Terek have had a rather average start to the season, neither good nor bad and currently find themselves in 7th place. They are on a relatively good run of recent form with a draw and win since their 4-0 thrashing by Krasnodar in round two.
After rather drab mid-table finishes in recent years, Rashid Rakhimov’s team should look to start pushing for the European spots.
Many thought Rostov’s 2015/16 2nd place finish was a one season wonder and were predicting that Selmashi would struggle to cope with the extra demand placed on them this year by European football. However, despite the departure of coach Kurban Berdyev, they have carried on from last year.
Their 4-1 victory against Ajax on Wednesday, which secured a spot in the Champions League group stage for the first time in their history, was incredible. It was classic Rostov with the Dutch side having most of the ball but Kirichenko’s side being deadly on the counter.
For some reason the bookies make Terek the favourites for this match and I am not sure why. Rostov’s confidence will be as high as ever and they will believe they can do a job at Akhmat-Arena. The away win is an incredibly generous 11/4. My usual tip of ‘Rostov to win to nil’ is also very well priced for punters at 9/2. I am not sure Terek have enough about them in attack to cause problems to the best defence in the league.
Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun returns from suspension for this match and I would back him to score for Rostov here. The former Rubin Kazan player took his goal well against Ajax midweek and this could well be his proper breakthrough season. An Azmoun goal is priced at 15/4 – again quite charitable.
See all of today’s tips here.